Definition of success

Studio photo by Eve Smith

My definition of success:

Be able to stay free enough in mind, body, and soul to make the work. 

Have a space to make the work in which you can be free in mind, body, and soul so that you don't think about the wall, the floor, the carpet, the extension of your arm, and the paint that drips from that self-expression. 

Have a space to share this work with others.

Have some sort of roof over your head, some sort of clothes on your back, some sort of food in your belly, maintain this basic standard of living. 

Have some sort of family, friends, community, or group of peers that understand you and that speaks a shared language. 

Have love in your life, feel seen, understood, and supported. See, understand, and support others. 

Have a tabby cat.

Laugh, dance, listen to music, be in nature, feel alive, and find beautiful places to walk and explore.

Enjoy and support all forms of culture.

Share all of this with others.

You can’t be what you can’t see

“I agree with activist Marian Wright Edelman, ‘you can’t be what you can’t see’ so it’s extremely important for women to be seen being artists as well as supporting each other in the process.” Here I am in the studio today, with a new shipment of canvases. 

Be seen being an artist.

Be seen working. 

Be seen taking up space. 

Be seen in your power. 

Be seen being brave. 

Be seen being assertive. 

Be seen making a mess of things. 

Be seen making something beautiful, wretched, or scary. 

Be seen contradicting yourself. 

Be seen screaming. 

Be seen trying something new and failing. 

Be seen crying and vulnerable. 

Be seen being ugly. 

Be seen being your most beautiful human self. 

Be seen loving the planet. 

Be seen loving strangers. 
Be seen loving animals.

Be seen meditating. 

Be seen doing yoga. 

Be seen dancing wildly.

Be seen getting it wrong.

Be seen getting it right.

Be seen caring about yourself. 

Be seen loving all those who come into contact with you. 

Be seen cheering someone on. 

Be seen making a difference. 

Be seen laughing like mad. 

Be seen making your own personal history. 

Be seen on the edge of your comfort zone. 

Be seen being strong. 

Be seen being weak. 

Be seen making a mistake. 
Be seen trying again.
Be seen changing your mind.
Be seen reclaiming your time. 

Be seen reclaiming your space.

Be seen asking for what you want. 

Be seen asking for what you need. 

Be seen being sure of your opinions. 

Be seen embracing all your quirks. 

Be seen with your brushes, canvases, and paint splattered shoes. 

Be seen with your tools of the trade whatever they may be.
Be seen with your economy of line and your wild intuition. 

Do not get small, do not fade away, do not give up... we need you here. In you, I see myself and together we are stronger. 

Thank you.